Maths Assessment Books
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speedmaths.com:
Hi,
Raffles Tough Maths (Vol 6A and 6B) are available at Popular Book stores.
Raffles Tough Maths (Vol 5) has just been printed, and is now available at Popular Book stores.
All these books have step-by-step worked solutions for all questions, so the P5 and P6 pupils can learn from these solutions.
speedmaths.com
.
Hi
I saw Advanced Model Method (PSLE Maths) by Raffles Maths in popular. What is the difference between these 2 books, Advanced Model Method and Raffles Tough Maths? Is this advanced model method the same as the model method in onsponge?
I also saw somewhere in the forum another method called Unit Transfer
Method by Maths Heuristics which complements the model approach. Why is there so many different types of method? Can someone please explain. :? Thank you. -
Steadyberry:
Hi,speedmaths.com:
Hi,
Raffles Tough Maths (Vol 6A and 6B) are available at Popular Book stores.
Raffles Tough Maths (Vol 5) has just been printed, and is now available at Popular Book stores.
All these books have step-by-step worked solutions for all questions, so the P5 and P6 pupils can learn from these solutions.
speedmaths.com
.
Hi
I saw Advanced Model Method (PSLE Maths) by Raffles Maths in popular. What is the difference between these 2 books, Advanced Model Method and Raffles Tough Maths? Is this advanced model method the same as the model method in onsponge?
I also saw somewhere in the forum another method called Unit Transfer
Method by Maths Heuristics which complements the model approach. Why is there so many different types of method? Can someone please explain. :? Thank you.
The Raffles Tough Maths (Vol 6A and 6B) books are essentially assessment-type books.
Each book contains 10 chapters or tests.
Each chapter/test contains 10 to 11 tough questions on Various topics (eg. speed, volume, patterns, etc).
There are step-by-step worked solutions for all the questions.
The Advanced Model Method (PSLE Maths) book is essentially like a guide-book or text book.
It has 17 chapters;
each chapter teaches the student how to answer ONE type of question.
I cannot speak for the \"model method in Onsponge\" and the \"Unit Transfer Method by Maths Heuristics\",
as the \"Onsponge\" and the \"Maths Heuristics\" people would be in the best position to explain their methods.
Model Method and Algebra
The Singapore Model Method (used in our primary schools) is essentially \"Algebra in pictorial form\".
Algebra simply present the \"Model Method in abstract/algebraic form\".
The Model Method is used as a sort of \"pre-algebra\", as young children are better able to handle/understand pictorial forms than abstract forms. They will switch more to algebra when they are in secondary school.
The Advanced Model Method uses \"Double Models\" or \"Bags and Boxes\" or \"Ovals and Rectangles\" to solve ALL P5 and P6 maths questions involving \"2 pairs of ratios\".
It can also be used to solve many other maths problems involving fractions, ratios and percentages.
Alternatively, students may also use the more algebraic methods, using \"units\" and \"parts\", or \"u\" and \"p\".
The \"u\" and \"p\" are essentially just like the \"x\" and \"y\" commonly used in secondary school algebra.
You may go to any Popular Book store and browse through the various books that use various different methods, and see which ones suit your child more.
Hope this helps.
speedmaths.com
. -
Steadyberry:
Why is there so many different types of method? Can someone please explain. :? Thank you.
Why not? There are many ways to get to Rome.
Not all students will \"get\" the same method. Some do well with the model method, the unitary method may resonate better with others. I know for myself, I understood the units method in Ammiel Wan's book far better than the model method.
Educators (and assessment book writers) share what they teach. You are free to review all methods and use the one you best understand. -
speedmaths.com:
This is so true! Once I understood this, it was easy for me to make peace with the model method and truly dig in to understand it.The Singapore Model Method (used in our primary schools) is essentially \"Algebra in pictorial form\".
Algebra simply present the \"Model Method in abstract/algebraic form\". -
speedmaths.com:
Hi,Steadyberry:
Hi
I saw Advanced Model Method (PSLE Maths) by Raffles Maths in popular. What is the difference between these 2 books, Advanced Model Method and Raffles Tough Maths? Is this advanced model method the same as the model method in onsponge?
I also saw somewhere in the forum another method called Unit Transfer
Method by Maths Heuristics which complements the model approach. Why is there so many different types of method? Can someone please explain. :? Thank you.
The Raffles Tough Maths (Vol 6A and 6B)
books are essentially assessment-type books.
Each book contains 10 chapters or tests.
Each chapter/test contains 10 to 11 tough questions on Various topics (eg. speed, volume, patterns, etc). There are step-by-step worked solutions for all the questions.
The Advanced Model Method (PSLE Maths) book is essentially like a guide-book or text book.
It has 17 chapters; each chapter teaches the student how to answer ONE type of question.
I cannot speak for the \"model method in Onsponge\" and the \"Unit Transfer Method by Maths Heuristics\",
as the \"Onsponge\" and the \"Maths Heuristics\" people would be in the best position to explain their methods.
Model Method and Algebra
The Singapore Model Method (used in our primary schools) is essentially \"Algebra in pictorial form\".
Algebra simply present the \"Model Method in abstract/algebraic form\".
The Model Method is used as a sort of \"pre-algebra\", as young children are better able to handle/understand pictorial forms than abstract forms. They will switch more to algebra when they are in secondary school.
The Advanced Model Method uses \"Double Models\" or \"Bags and Boxes\" or \"Ovals and Rectangles\" to solve ALL P5 and P6 maths questions involving \"2 pairs of ratios\".
It can also be used to solve many other maths problems involving fractions, ratios and percentages.
Alternatively, students may also use the more algebraic methods, using \"units\" and \"parts\", or \"u\" and \"p\".
The \"u\" and \"p\" are essentially just like the \"x\" and \"y\" commonly used in
secondary school algebra.
You may go to any Popular Book store and browse through the various books that use various different methods, and see which ones suit your child more.
Hope this helps.
speedmaths.com
.
Hi speedmaths
Thx for yr explanation. Which Raffles book would you recommend for a p5 student? Her marks were in the 80-90 when she was in P4 but this yr, she almost failed her ca1. She mentioned she is weak in problem sums with ratio and fractions. TIA. -
Steadyberry:
Hi,speedmaths.com:
[quote=\"Steadyberry\"]
Hi
I saw Advanced Model Method (PSLE Maths) by Raffles Maths in popular. What is the difference between these 2 books, Advanced Model Method and Raffles Tough Maths? Is this advanced model method the same as the model method in onsponge?
I also saw somewhere in the forum another method called Unit Transfer
Method by Maths Heuristics which complements the model approach. Why is there so many different types of method? Can someone please explain. :? Thank you.
The Raffles Tough Maths (Vol 6A and 6B)
books are essentially assessment-type books.
Each book contains 10 chapters or tests.
Each chapter/test contains 10 to 11 tough questions on Various topics (eg. speed, volume, patterns, etc). There are step-by-step worked solutions for all the questions.
The Advanced Model Method (PSLE Maths) book is essentially like a guide-book or text book.
It has 17 chapters; each chapter teaches the student how to answer ONE type of question.
I cannot speak for the \"model method in Onsponge\" and the \"Unit Transfer Method by Maths Heuristics\",
as the \"Onsponge\" and the \"Maths Heuristics\" people would be in the best position to explain their methods.
Model Method and Algebra
The Singapore Model Method (used in our primary schools) is essentially \"Algebra in pictorial form\".
Algebra simply present the \"Model Method in abstract/algebraic form\".
The Model Method is used as a sort of \"pre-algebra\", as young children are better able to handle/understand pictorial forms than abstract forms. They will switch more to algebra when they are in secondary school.
The Advanced Model Method uses \"Double Models\" or \"Bags and Boxes\" or \"Ovals and Rectangles\" to solve ALL P5 and P6 maths questions involving \"2 pairs of ratios\".
It can also be used to solve many other maths problems involving fractions, ratios and percentages.
Alternatively, students may also use the more algebraic methods, using \"units\" and \"parts\", or \"u\" and \"p\".
The \"u\" and \"p\" are essentially just like the \"x\" and \"y\" commonly used in
secondary school algebra.
You may go to any Popular Book store and browse through the various books that use various different methods, and see which ones suit your child more.
Hope this helps.
speedmaths.com
.
Hi speedmaths
Thx for yr explanation. Which Raffles book would you recommend for a p5 student? Her marks were in the 80-90 when she was in P4 but this yr, she almost failed her ca1. She mentioned she is weak in problem sums with ratio and fractions. TIA.[/quote]Hi Steadyberry,
Most schools start preparing students for PSLE-level questions from P5.
For most (say, 90%) students, their marks for Maths will drop when they get to P5, and will drop further for their CA1 and SA1 in P6. Their marks should improve from P6 mid-year on.
For P5 students, you may consider the following books:
1) Raffles Tough Maths (Vol 5) - [assessment book for P5]
2) Raffles Maths Tricks (Vol 1, 2 & 3) - [guide book for P5/P6]
3) Go For A* (Vol 2) - [guide book for P5/P6]
4) Advanced Model Method - [guide book for P5/P6]
Since different schools cover different topics (say, volume, speed, circles, etc) at different times in P5/P6.
Students may leave out certain questions/chapters/topics they have not yet covered in school until later.
Hope this helps.
speedmaths.com
. -
Hi speedmaths,
Are your books more suitable for students who are above average in Maths?
Thank you. -
SAHM_TAN:
Hi SAHM_TAN,Hi speedmaths,
Are your books more suitable for students who are above average in Maths?
Thank you.
Our books are meant to prepare all students for the more challenging PSLE Maths questions.
Generally, the better (HA/MA) students will be able to do, say, more than 50% of the questions in our books, and they should be able to understand the solutions to the remaining questions on their own.
The weaker students will probably be able to do, say, less than 50% of the questions; and they will need help (from parents / tutors / teachers) to understand the solutions to the remaining questions.
Weaker students will also find our books useful in that some of the (alternative) solutions we use are simpler than those taught in their schools.
We try to look for easier solutions to the more difficult questions.
Hope this helps.
speedmaths.com
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any good maths assessment on pattern?
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Review of the GetMeThinking Math Books (Ammiel Wan & Steward Tang; Visible Math, 2013)
by Zhou Shicai (NickleBee Tutors)
January 2013![](\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ai2uCiohNlA/UPOfOn4s4iI/AAAAAAAAAYI/-LpbXHsYNKw/s320/getmethinking+book.JPG\")
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ai2uCiohNlA/UPOfOn4s4iI/AAAAAAAAAYI/-LpbXHsYNKw/s320/getmethinking+book.JPG\">
Hi, This is Zhou Shicai, lead education consultant of NickleBee Tutors and I would like to take this opportunity to share with parents here of a new book published by Mr Ammiel Wan (former Vice-Principle of Rosyth Primary, Author of the popular OnSponge, Challenging Problems Made Easy & Visible Thinking in Math assessment books and who is currently the Principal Consultant at Visble Math).
I have been teaching PSLE & Olympiad Math to GEP and High Ability students for a number of years now. Given my education background and multiple awards in Olympiad level Math Competitions during my Raffles Institution (GEP) days, it is probably no surprise that when I first started out as a Math Educator while still studying as a dental undergraduate in NUS Faculty of Dentistry, i was not impressed with the standards of Math education and teaching methodology amongst teachers and tutors when it came to imparting math problem solving skillsets and concepts across to primary school students.
Hence when Mr Ammiel Wan first published \"Challenging Problem Made Easy\" back in 2006, i found that he brought a fresh approach to guiding students through math problem solving by introducing the idea that Math Problem Solving could be approached from a \"Conceptual\" perspective. He followed up in 2008 by being a consultant in the development of the \"Onsponge\" Math Books which further expanded his conceptual approach and included the tripartite of \"Contextual, Conceptual and Procedural Knowledge\".
After first perusing his Onsponge books back in 2008, I became a firm believer in Mr Ammiel Wan's \"Cognitive Conceptual Approach in Learning Mathematics\" as I shared his belief that most teachers focus so much on \"Procedural\" knowledge that they have lost sight of the original purpose of Problem Solving in Mathematics, which was to promote critical thinking and application of heuristics and problem solving skills. I was rather excited that Mr Ammiel Wan's approach in Mathematical education dovetailed in very well with my own teaching methodology and I began incorporating and adapting elements of his approach into my teaching curriculum.
Of course, there are certain points I have to make before carrying on. I have found it quite strange that school teachers and tutors are still encouraging students to buy Ammiel Wan's \"Challenging Math Problems Made Easy\". Though it was ground-breaking when first published in 2006, it can be considered his first-generational work and much of its content has been superseded by his succeeding works over the past 7 years or so.
Also, though I find the OnSponge Math Books (also involving Mr Ammiel Wan as a consultant) to be one of the better math assessment books in the market with an excellent question bank and some reasonably good worked examples. I found that it's chief failing was that it unwittingly encouraged students (who are not properly guided in the cognitive conceptual approach by their teachers) to memorise a certain concept to use for associated questions and instead of encouraging the students to apply concepts after understanding the context of the question. It instead led to students skimming through the question and deciding, without much understanding and thinking involved, to apply a certain concept just because they have done a similar question previously and if the concept worked for that, it follows that it should work for this!
Now, onto the review proper. The GetMeThinking Math Book by Ammiel Wan & Steward Tang (Visible Math) is the cumulation of years of experience and feedback as can be seen from the updated methodology of Parallel Thinking and Read3Write together with the original \"Cognitive Conceptual Approach\". I have looked through the Pri 5A version and have concluded that it has addressed the main shortcomings of Ammiel Wan's previous books and also, strengthened the approach it takes in reinforcing concepts and knowledge to the students in a non-didactic manner and provides guidance to the student's thought process in an engaging and interesting way. I believe that this will help the students internalize the contextual and conceptual knowledge required in a meaningful manner and help them improve their problem solving skills. Also, I have to add that the procedures and methods in the examples have been greatly updated and are much improved compared to those in \"OnSponge\" or \"Challenging Maths Problems Made Easy\". I have thus finally found a book with worked examples which are able to match my own problem solving methods taught to my students, in both elegance and ease of usage. I would recommend that parents and educators use the \"Visible Thinking in Maths Series by Ammiel Wan\" to improve on their child's basic mathematical concepts (as tested in Math Paper 1) after which they should then follow up on \"GetMeThinking by Ammiel Wan\" to further enhance their child's intermediate and advanced problem solving skills (as usually tested in Math Paper 2).
Kudos to the Visble Math Team for producing an excellent Math Book and I will most definitely be incorporating the 'GetMeThinking Math Book\" into my teaching curriculum at NickleBee Tutors.
Just a point, I am in no way associated with Mr Ammiel Wan, Mr Steward Tang or Visible Maths and this review of their work is written on my own accord and for the benefit of the general populace. However I am rather unabashedly a big fan of the good work Mr Ammiel Wan and Mr Steward Tang have done in advancing mathematical education in Singapore and hope to learn more from them over the years so that I may help my own students improve and develop a love for all things mathematics!
Yours,
Zhou Shicai
Lead Education Consultant
NickleBee Tutors
http://www.nicklebeetutors.com
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